HSK · Level 109
45 words
Chinese word
黑马
Pronunciation
Pinyinhēi mǎ
Meaning
- noundark horse
Example
在选秀中，他成了最大的黑马。zài xuǎn xiù zhōng tā chéng le zuì dà de hēi mǎ
In the talent competition, he became the biggest dark horse.
More examples
这支黑马股在短时间内涨幅惊人。zhè zhī hēi mǎ gǔ zài duǎn shí jiān nèi zhǎng fú jīng rén
This dark horse stock rose sharply in a short time.
Core concept
A competitor kept out of the spotlight suddenly surges ahead and wins.
Common phrases
成为黑马chéng wéi hēi mǎ
become a dark horse
黑马选手hēi mǎ xuán shǒu
dark horse contestant
黑马股hēi mǎ gǔ
dark horse stock
黑马涌现hēi mǎ yǒng xiàn
dark horses emerge
Similar words
新星xīn xīng: A young person or group whose rising success quickly attracts wide attention.
新秀xīn xiù: A newcomer in a field or sport whose early results show promise and potential.
后起之秀hòu qǐ zhī xiù: A previously unnoticed person or group that recently shows strong ability and gains sudden attention.
Definition in Chinese
指在竞争中不被看好或不为人所知，但在关键时刻出人意料地获得胜利或取得成功的人或事物。zhǐ zài jìng zhēng zhōng bú bèi kàn hǎo huò bù wéi rén suǒ zhī dàn zài guān jiàn shí kè chū rén yì liào dì huò dé shèng lì huò qǔ dé chéng gōng de rén huò shì wù
Word origin
黑马 (hēimǎ, "dark horse") comes from the racing image of a horse with little public backing or notice that unexpectedly wins, then extends to any overlooked contender that succeeds.
Usage tips
- In everyday Chinese, the noun can describe a person, team, film, product, or project, so its range is wider than that of a race competitor.
Other meanings
- unexpected winnernoun
Opposites
- 热门选手rè mén xuán shǒufavorite contestantnoun
- 强队qiáng duìtop teamnoun
Related words
- 黑马股hēi mǎ gǔdark horse stocknoun
- 黑马效应hēi mǎ xiào yìngdark horse effectnoun